Explanation
Background: This ordinance authorizes the Director of the Recreation and Parks Department to enter into a grant agreement with the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) to support the Big Walnut Trail - Little Turtle to Cherrybottom Park Project and accept a grant in the amount of $7,092,344.00.
The Columbus Recreation and Parks Department received grant funding approval in June 2021 from the Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission (MORPC) for Transportation Alternative Program funding to build a section of the Big Walnut Trail from the Little Turtle Community to the Alum Creek Trail in Cherrybottom Park. This grant will provide up to 70 percent of the eligible costs, up to a maximum of $7,092,344.00. The total project currently is estimated to be $12,020,424.26. The project is anticipated to enter into construction in Fall 2026.
This project will build significant trail infrastructure in the northeast area of Columbus. This trail includes an underpass beneath State Route 161, a direct connection to Blendon Woods Metro Park, a stream crossing to connect the Northland Neighborhood on the west side of the river, and a section of trail along Sunbury Road linking to the Alum Creek Trail. Over 15,000 Columbus residents live in neighborhoods served by this new trail section. Once completed, the trail will connect residents to retail, health care, and over 40,000 jobs at major destinations, including Easton and the North Hamilton Road mixed use corridor.
Principal Parties:
Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT), District 6
400 East William Street
Delaware, Ohio 43015
Eric Petee, (740) 833-8364, Eric.Petee@dot.ohio.gov
Emergency Justification: Emergency action is requested in order to execute the Local-Let Project Agreement (LPA) prior to ODOT plan review, keeping the project on schedule for fall 2026 bidding.
Benefits to the Public: Access to trails and key destinations is one of the top rated priorities noted by Columbus residents. Some com...
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